Societal Defense Researcher

Job Summary CARMA's Public Security Policy (PSP) Program is seeking a Policy Researcher to advance our work on AI governance, risk mitigation, and emergency response frameworks. This role will focus on disaster preparedness planning for AI-related crises across multiple jurisdictional levels (national, state/provincial, multinational, and alliance-based), vulnerability assessments of critical societal systems, and development of robust governance approaches. The researcher will help identify systemic weaknesses that could be exploited or exacerbated by advanced AI systems and contribute to designing resilience strategies. This requires a broad literacy in the sciences and (both physical and information) technologies. This position offers direct engagement with critical AI safety challenges and opportunities to shape policy responses to emerging risks from increasingly capable AI systems. This is a full-time position, with the expectation of it being long-term, but be aware that runway beyond nine months will require winning more grants. This role is 100% remote but requires occasional travel. About CARMA The Center for AI Risk Management & Alignment (CARMA) works to help society navigate the complex and potentially catastrophic risks arising from increasingly powerful AI systems. Our mission is specifically to lower the risks to humanity and the biosphere from transformative AI. We focus on grounding AI risk management in rigorous analysis, developing policy frameworks that squarely address AGI, advancing technical safety approaches, and fostering global perspectives on durable safety. Through these complementary approaches, CARMA aims to provide critical support to society for managing the outsized risks from advanced AI before they materialize. CARMA is a fiscally-sponsored project of Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation. Core Responsibilities

• Conduct rigorous policy research mapping the landscape of current and proposed AI governance approaches, identifying gaps and fragilities in existing frameworks
• Assess societal vulnerabilities to advanced AI systems across critical infrastructure, physical safety, information ecosystems, and social institutions
• Develop comprehensive AI disaster scenario plans adaptable to different jurisdictional contexts and governance structures
• Research how to translate complex technical concepts and risk scenarios into clear, actionable policy recommendations for decision-makers
• Draft compelling policy briefs, reports, and blog posts communicating AI governance challenges to diverse audiences
• Develop realistic simulation materials and tabletop exercises that stress-test emergency response protocols for AI system failures
• Identify early warning indicators and potential cascade failures in AI governance structures
• Map institutional dependencies and coordination challenges in cross-jurisdictional disaster response
• Analyze existing civil defense and disaster response frameworks for adaptability, or the lack thereof, to novel AI threats
• Support PSP advocacy initiatives and strategic relationship development with policymakers

Requirements

• Master's degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, International Relations, Science and Technology Studies, or related field; OR bachelor's degree with substantial relevant professional experience
• Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough policy analysis and produce high-quality written outputs for both academic and policy audiences
• Exceptional writing abilities with experience translating complex technical concepts into accessible language for non-specialist audiences
• Strong grasp of policy processes, political systems, and strategic approaches to effectuating policy change
• Breadth of knowledge, curiosity, and literacy across the sciences and physical technologies
• Working knowledge of international relations frameworks and governance structures relevant to emerging technology management
• Demonstrated understanding of AI safety concerns, systemic risks, and the sociotechnical implications of increasingly capable AI systems
• Self-directed with ability to manage complex projects in a remote team environment while maintaining high attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in crisis response planning, disaster preparedness, or emergency management
• Background in cybersecurity, biosecurity, critical infrastructure protection, or other relevant risk domains
• Understanding of organizational response limits during acute crises
• Familiarity with both technical and governance aspects of AI alignment challenges
• Experience conducting vulnerability assessments of complex sociotechnical systems
• Knowledge of civil defense planning, continuity of government operations, or supply chain resilience
• Background in multi-stakeholder coordination across government agencies, private sector, and civil society
• Some coursework, experience, or interest in the hard sciences
• Experience with scenario planning methodologies and strategic foresight techniques

CARMA/SEE is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, gender reassignment, partnership status, maternity, or sexual orientation. We are, by policy and action, an inclusive organization and actively promote equal opportunities for all humans with the right mix of talent, knowledge, skills, attitude, and potential, so hiring is only based on individual merit for the job. Our organization operates through a fiscal sponsor whose infrastructure only supports persons authorized to work in the U.S. as employees. Candidates outside the U.S. would be engaged as independent contractors with project-focused responsibilities. Note that we are unable to sponsor visas at this time. $85,000 - $135,000 a year plus good benefits if a U.S. employee